Your Panels are Protected From Summertime In Northern Michigan
If you’re a Northern Michigan resident contemplating going solar, you may be wondering whether going solar will mean dealing with a cracked or detached panel after every summer thunderstorm due to damaging winds and abnormally large hail. Luckily, our unpredictable weather won’t ruin your investment. Let’s walk through exactly how the panels we install at Peninsula Solar are built to handle whatever Michigan throws at them.
Hail
The panels we install — Canadian Solar, Jinko Eagle, and Axitec ground mount systems — are all engineered with Northern Michigan weather in mind. Each one features 3.2mm tempered glass and IP67-rated junction boxes, built and tested to withstand hailstones roughly one inch in diameter traveling at 50 mph. That’s the industry baseline, and every panel we carry meets or exceeds it.
Not all panels are created equal, though. Standard panels begin failing between 40–80 joules of impact energy, while hail-hardened panels hold up past 120 joules — about 3x the resistance. Jinko’s Eagle series takes it even further, tested to withstand hailstones up to 55mm — more than double the industry standard — and has earned Top Performer status in independent reliability testing for 11 consecutive years.
One thing worth knowing: even when panels look fine after a storm, microscopic cracks in the cells can quietly reduce power output over time. If you ever have concerns after a major weather event, give us a call — we’re local and happy to help.
Strong Winds
Michigan winds don’t hold back. Severe thunderstorms regularly produce gusts between 55–80 mph, enough to cause serious property damage. Quality solar panels are rated to handle wind speeds up to 140 mph — a significant safety margin above anything Michigan typically throws at them. When wind damages a solar array, it is usually the racking system that fails first. With our installations using quality racking systems designed to hold their integrity against Michigan’s harshest weather conditions, you can have peace of mind knowing that your solar investment is built to last.
Heavy Rain
Living in Northern Michigan, we get our fair share of rain — but luckily it’s the least threatening weather concern for your solar energy system. Solar panels are sealed and waterproof. The most water-vulnerable part of the array is the junction box, which is IP67-rated on every panel Peninsula Solar installs, meaning your solar panel can handle full water immersion, let alone rain.
Rain can actually help maximize your energy efficiency by cleansing the panels, washing away pollen, dust, and debris that builds up over time and causes a slight reduction in energy output. Think of it as a free panel cleaning — rainwater = more sunlight absorbed = better solar energy performance. A good Michigan rainstorm is actually working in your favor.
FAQs
Q: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover my solar panels if they’re damaged in a storm? In most cases, yes. Solar panels installed on your roof are typically covered under your existing homeowner’s insurance policy the same way your roof is. Meaning, if a storm event is covered, your panels usually are too. It’s always worth a quick call to your insurance provider to confirm coverage and whether any adjustments to your premium are needed after installation.
Q: What happens if a hailstone is bigger than what the panels are rated for? It’s unlikely but not impossible for extremely large hail to cause visible damage. That’s why the panels we install — Canadian Solar, Jinko’s Eagle, and Axitec — are rated well above the industry baseline, with Jinko’s Eagle series tested to withstand hailstones up to 55mm. If damage does occur, individual panels can be replaced without replacing the entire system.
Q: Do solar panels come with a warranty that covers weather damage? Solar panels carry two types of warranties: a product warranty covering defects and a performance warranty guaranteeing power output over time. Most quality panels, including those we install at Peninsula Solar, include a 25-year linear performance warranty. Weather-related damage is typically handled through your homeowner’s insurance rather than the product warranty, which is why having both in place matters.
Q: How long do solar panels actually last in Michigan’s climate? Most quality solar panels are built to last 25-30 years and are specifically tested for the kind of temperature swings, snow loads, wind, and moisture that Michigan dishes out year-round. Cold weather actually improves solar panel efficiency, so Michigan winters aren’t the enemy people assume they are.
Q: Do I need to do anything to maintain my solar panels after a major storm? Solar panels require very little maintenance in general. If you encounter any issues with your solar energy system, schedule a service call. Peninsula Solar is local, so we’re just a phone call away. (906) 207-8135
Going Solar in Northern Michigan
Now that you know your solar investment is made to last in the beautiful but sometimes unforgiving weather of Northern Michigan, it’s time to take the next steps to own your energy. Call Peninsula Solar today at (906) 207-8135 to receive your free quote, or reach us at sales@peninsula-solar.com. We serve homeowners and businesses across Traverse City, Marquette, Petoskey, Charlevoix, and the entire Upper Peninsula.
Let’s get you started. peninsula-solar.com
